Two Arizona bio startups earn $100K through Flinn entrepreneurship program
The application period for the 2025 program has closed. Stay tuned for details about the next application cycle.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, an entity must be an Arizona-based bioscience company engaged in the commercialization of bioscience research and biotechnology in the areas of:
- Medical devices and equipment;
- Medical technologies;
- Drugs, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics;
- Agricultural feedstock and chemicals; or
- Research, testing and medical labs.
The company must be incorporated as an S-Corp, LLC, or C-Corp, and based in Arizona and in pre- or early-revenue stage. Research-only projects do not qualify.
Past Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program participants and Flinn Foundation Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research Program awardees are eligible to apply.
Application Requirements
Up to two Arizona-based startups receive up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, plus support and connections.
The application consists of a basic application form and three attachments:
- One-page executive summary;
- 15-slide pitch deck; and
- One letter of recommendation.
Review Process
A two-phase review process was utilized for the 2025 program.
Phase 1 is an application review of the submitted documents by cross-disciplinary teams with expertise in business, tech transfer, and health.
Phase 2 is an in-person interview for 10 finalists with industry and scientific experts. Up to two startups are competitively selected for funding.
All applicants receive a summary of reviewer feedback.
Key Dates
Nov. 4, 2024: Application opens
Nov. 7, 2024: Info table at Venture Café Phoenix
Nov. 11, 2024: Virtual Info Session
Nov. 18, 2024: Virtual Group Office Hours
Dec. 2–4, 2024: Virtual 1:1 Office Hours
Dec. 5, 2024: Live Biopreneur Storytellers Event at Venture Café Phoenix
Dec. 16, 2024: Application deadline (5 p.m.)
Jan. 28, 2025: Finalists notified
Feb. 18, 2025: In-person finalist pitches
March 6, 2025: Selected companies announced
Learn more
Program benefits and background
Meet the program participants from 2014 to today
Questions
If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact Joanna Yang Yowler, Ph.D., Flinn Foundation Program Manager, Translational Biosciences and Entrepreneurship.
Diversity drives innovation. While diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender, we understand it to also include diversity in one’s background, life experiences, skill set, and self-identification. We encourage all to apply.
